Date of independence, or formation date: 1238
Date when current borders were established: 1907
National day: Dec 5
Vehicle country identifying code: T
Time zone (hours plus or minus from GMT): +7
International telephone dialling code: +66
Internet country identifying code: .th

Thailand lies in the heart of southeast Asia. The north, the border with Burma, and the long Isthmus of Kra between the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are mountainous. The central plain is the most fertile and densely populated area, while the low northeastern plateau is the poorest region. Thailand has been an independent kingdom for most of its history, and since 1932 a constitutional monarchy, though with frequent periods of military government. Continuing rapid industrialization results in massive congestion in Bangkok and a serious depletion of natural resources.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004